4 date night essentials that can boost your health
Date night isn’t just good for your relationship; it might be good for your health, too. From bringing your date fresh flowers to taking an after-dinner stroll, there are some hidden wellness perks behind certain date night essentials.
1. Bring flowers
Giving your date a bouquet of flowers is more than a romantic gesture. It can help boost their mood and decrease their stress levels.
Having a bouquet of roses delivered to your beloved one at work can also help increase their productivity. A study found workers who looked at flowers noted lower tension and anxiety while also reporting higher levels of vigor.
2. Enjoy a glass of wine
In moderation, such as on a date night, a glass of merlot can help with heart health. For instance, antioxidants in red wine may help protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart from inflammation, and, as a result, prevent chronic disease.
A glass of wine can also boost levels of “good” cholesterol and promote diversity of gut bacteria.
“While a glass of wine can have some health perks, it’s still important to enjoy it responsibly and drink in moderation,” says Dr. Jennette Berry, a family medicine physician at Advocate Health Care.
3. Indulge in dark chocolate
When it comes to dessert, consider picking up a box of dark chocolates. Quality dark chocolate has a high cocoa content, which is a good source of antioxidants.
“The antioxidants found in dark chocolate can do more than satisfy your sweet tooth. They may help lower LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol, protect your cells from damage and even reduce stiffness,” says Dr. Berry.
Other health benefits of dark chocolate include lowering blood pressure and increasing “good” cholesterol.
4. Take a stroll after dinner
Taking a moonlight stroll after a meal can help aid digestion by reducing bloating, burping and gas.
A short walk after eating can also help regulate blood sugar, especially for those with diabetes. A study found people with type 2 diabetes who walked 10 minutes after each meal noted 12% lower blood sugar levels compared to those who took one 30-minute daily walk unrelated to their meal schedule.
Plus, walking with your date is the perfect opportunity to chat more and further strengthen the relationship.
Want to learn your risk for diabetes? Take a free online quiz.
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About the Author
health enews contributor, is a digital content strategist at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. She studied journalism at Eastern Illinois University and received a master’s degree in writing from DePaul University. A former newspaper reporter, she’s worked in health care communications for the last decade. In her spare time, Vicki enjoys tackling her "to be read" pile, volunteering and planning fun activities to do in the Chicago area with her husband and son.
